Why isn't this movie appreciated more?
Seriously, it's like a 100 million dollar art film by Spike Jonze that came out of the New Hollywood. You know, the time back in the 70's when Hollywood actually gave money to artists and were ok with movies not ending happily and the films not being pure escapist fantasies where nobody learns anything and everything is right in the world? I know, I know, the movie wasn't for kids, it was marketed poorly, and should have just been released into art house theaters. But I'm happy that movies like this can still be made. There are things going on in this movie: symbolism, emotions, dysfunctional family life and relationships replayed in a fantastical realm that gives more depth to the "real-world" introduction at the beginning.
The backlash and hate against this movie is the reason Hollywood is dying. How many times have we heard people complain that Hollywood is out of ideas; making remakes, sequels, reboots, and superhero franchises instead of doing anything artistically or culturally important? Well, this is the reason. People complaining that an artistic film with lots of thought and reason behind it like Where the Wild Things Are makes Hollywood play it safe.
It's sad to see such an emotional, intense, personal film that's about a lot of things shafted because it's "boring", "depressing", and "not for kids." Boo *beep* hoo. Go see Minions and the countless other terrible animated children's films that will placate your children's brains as you suffer through it. Leave Spike Jonze's art alone and do us all a favor.